Cyberbullying in adolescence and reporting incidents of bullying

Abstract

Cyberbullying, particularly among teenagers, is a serious social problem that is arising increasing scientific interest. A coping strategy that may buffer its negative effects is revealing the experience to handy people. This study analyses frequency and intensity of cyberbullying and cybervictimization in a sample of 394 Spanish teenagers as well as revelation of cybervictimization as a coping strategy of the phenomenon. Gender differences on these variables are also analysed. Results show a high involvement in cyberbullying either as cyberbullies or as cybervictims. 52.4% of victimized teens revealed their experience to handy people, particularly close friends as compared to adults. These findings suggest the need for intervention with teens to raise awareness of the need to communicate cyberbullying situations to adults who can help them end the situation and overcome the experience.